Ever thought about hiring an intern?? If you are in a small town, there may not be very many jobs for someone finishing their last year of school. So your position might be very appealing. You can not only train them, but mentor them as well. There are a bunch of college students who would love to be a part of a growing business. I know I would have loved a job like that during school. I am sure you would have to work with them on their school schedule, but at least you don't pay out as much as a typical employee and they may even be able to get credit for it depeneding on their major. Once they graduate, then you could offer them the full time position (and the higher pay)...and they would probably be ready to take on more responsibility too! They might feel like they are apart of something...unlike your other assistants who sound like their work ethic was down the tubes!